How powerful to hear sophomores from Ally Johnson's Humanities classes share their stories--poignant, moving and often hilarious--on the stage of the Animas City Theatre this week. Visit the Narratives from the Nest website here to listen to all of Ally's students' true tales of trials and triumph. Thank you to community members, including Osprey parents Dan James and Gisele Pansze, who bravely threw their names in the hat and shared their stories on stage as well.

Jessica McCallum's juniors skillfully modeled and facilitated respectful, engaged dialogue about controversial issues last night at their Rhetoric and Ideology Exhibition at Fort Lewis College--no small feat in this divisive political climate. We appreciate the thoughtful participation of those who attended, seeking to find common ground on issues including LGBTQ rights, abortion, immigration, gun control, NFL protests and more.  

Ever wonder how well you're understanding the different barks your dog uses? Or why Fido is afraid of thunder but not your car horn? Next Tuesday, Summer Sanford's Biology students will present individual research studies they have conducted to answer these questions and many more at the  Domestication of Species Exhibition. Join them from 6:00 to 7:00 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, where they'll be joined by staff and furry friends from the La Plata County Humane Society.

The AHS Health and Wellness Committee will have its second meeting of the year next Monday from 4:00 to 5:00 in Jessica's classroom. This group, made of students, staff, parents and community members, is working to expand and refine programs and practices at our school that support student wellness. All are welcome; contact our counselor Erin Skyles at erin.skyles@animashighschool.com for more information. 

	junior Acacia Bryson encourages seminar participants to listen to one another and seek common ground at the Rhetoric and Ideology exhibition

We hope to see you all at the AHS Fall Fundraiser and Silent Auction next Wednesday evening! Join us between 6:00 and 9:00 at the Henry Strater Theatre for exemplary student work, live jazz, hearty appetizers and over $15,000 worth of silent auction items. Email  volunteer@animashighschool.com if you'd like to help assemble silent auction baskets tomorrow morning between 10:00 and noon at Jesse Hutt's house. Bring your friends and family along--all are welcome and admission is free, with ample opportunities to support the school with your donation.  

Finally, looking ahead to after Thanksgiving Break, seniors will share what they've discovered about the causes and impact of income inequality at an exhibition on November 30 and juniors in Ashley Carruth's Humanities classes will present the work they've done exploring the issue of homelessness in Durango at the With Justice for All exhibition on December 12.  Ashley's juniors are seeking donations to support their project; please visit their GoFundMe page here.

Thanks for all you do to help the Ospreys soar!